System and method for electronic power take-off controls

ABSTRACT

A refuse vehicle includes a battery and electric power take-off system that includes a second motor configured to convert electrical power into hydraulic power, an inverter configured to provide electrical power to the second motor from the battery, a heat dissipation device in thermal communication with the inverter, wherein the heat dissipation device includes a plurality of conduits and a thermal fluid pump configured to pump cooling fluid through the plurality of conduits, a thermal sensor configured to detect thermal energy within the inverter, a flow meter configured determine a flow rate of cooling fluid through the plurality of conduits, and a controller configured to receive data from the thermal sensor and the flow meter and provide operating parameters to the heat dissipation device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/084,411, filed Sep. 28, 2020, the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Electric refuse vehicles (i.e., battery-powered refuse vehicles) includeone or more energy storage elements (e.g., batteries) that supply energyto an electric motor. The electric motor supplies rotational power tothe wheels of the refuse vehicle to drive the refuse vehicle. The energystorage elements can also be used to supply energy to vehiclesubsystems, like the lift system or the compactor.

SUMMARY

One exemplary embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle. Refuse vehicleincludes a chassis supporting a plurality of wheels, a battery supportedby the chassis and configured to provide electrical power to a firstmotor, wherein rotation of the first motor selectively drives at leastone of the plurality of wheels, a vehicle body supported by the chassisand defining a receptacle for storing refuse therein, and an electricpower take-off system coupled to the vehicle body. The electric powertake-off system includes a second motor configured to convert electricalpower received from the battery into hydraulic power, an inverterconfigured to provide electrical power to the second motor from thebattery, a heat dissipation device in thermal communication with theinverter, wherein the heat dissipation device includes a plurality ofconduits and a thermal fluid pump configured to pump cooling fluidthrough the conduits, a thermal sensor configured to detect thermalenergy within the inverter, a flow meter configured determine a flowrate of cooling fluid through the conduits, and a controller configuredto receive data from the thermal sensor and the flow meter and provideoperating parameters to the heat dissipation device, wherein thecontroller is further configured to determine if the data from the firstsensor is greater than a critical operating condition and shut down theelectric power take-off system in response to determining that the datafrom the first sensor is greater than the critical operating condition.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to a method. The method includesproviding power to one or more components a system of a refuse vehicle.The refuse vehicle includes a chassis supporting a plurality of wheels,a battery supported by the chassis and configured to provide electricalpower to a first motor, wherein rotation of the first motor selectivelydrives at least one of the plurality of wheels, a vehicle body supportedby the chassis and defining a receptacle for storing refuse therein, andan electric power take-off system coupled to the vehicle body, theelectric power take-off system including a second motor configured toconvert electrical power received from the battery into hydraulic power,an inverter configured to provide electrical power to the second motorfrom the battery, a heat dissipation device in thermal communicationwith the inverter, wherein the heat dissipation device includes aplurality of conduits and a thermal fluid pump configured to pumpcooling fluid through the plurality of conduits, a thermal sensorconfigured to detect thermal energy within the inverter, a flow meterconfigured determine a flow rate of cooling fluid through the pluralityof conduits, and a controller configured to receive data from thethermal sensor and the flow meter and provide operating parameters tothe heat dissipation device, providing, by the controller, initialoperating parameters to the one or more components of the system,receiving, by the controller, the data from at least one of the thermalsensor and the flow meter, shutting down the components of thecomponents of the one or more systems, by the controller, in response todetermining the data received is greater than a critical operatingcondition.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to an electric power take-offsystem. The electric power take-off system includes a motor configuredto convert electrical power received from a battery into hydraulicpower, an inverter configured to provide electrical power to the motorfrom the battery, a heat dissipation device in thermal communicationwith the inverter, wherein the heat dissipation device includes aplurality of conduits and a thermal fluid pump configured to pumpcooling fluid through the plurality of conduits, a thermal sensorconfigured to detect thermal energy within the inverter, a flow meterconfigured determine a flow rate of cooling fluid through the pluralityof conduits, and a controller configured to receive data from thethermal sensor and the flow meter and provide operating parameters tothe heat dissipation device, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to determine if the data from the thermal sensor is greaterthan a critical operating condition and shut down the electric powertake-off system in response to determining that the data from thethermal sensor is greater than the critical operating condition.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried outin various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to otherfeatures and combinations of features as may be recited herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the followingdetailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front loading refuse vehicle accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side loading refuse vehicle accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an electric front loading refusevehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the electric front loading refuse vehicleof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a control system of the refuse vehicle ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 6a is a schematic view of an E-PTO controller system according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6b is flow diagram of an E-PTO controller process according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an E-PTO system according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the E-PTO system of FIG. 7 according toan example embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the E-PTO system of FIG. 7 according toan example embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the E-PTO system of FIG. 7 according toan example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the E-PTO system of FIG. 7 according toan example embodiment;

FIG. 12 a partial perspective view of the E-PTO system according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a thermal management system accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the thermal management system of FIG.13 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the thermal management system of FIG.13 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the thermal management system of FIG.13 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the thermal management system of FIG.13 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an inverter and a controller accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 19according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a hydraulic pump according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a mounting mechanism according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the mounting mechanism of FIG. 22according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a hydraulic auxiliary connection pointsaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a schematic view of a hydraulic auxiliary connection pointcircuit according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of an efficiency controller systemaccording to an example embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentapplication is not limited to the details or methodology set forth inthe description or illustrated in the figures. It should also beunderstood that the terminology is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to the FIGURES generally, the various exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein relate to electric refuse vehicles. Electric refusevehicles, or E-refuse vehicles, include an onboard energy storagedevice, like a battery, that provides power to a motor that producesrotational power to drive the vehicle. The energy storage device, whichis commonly a battery, can be used to provide power to differentsubsystems on the E-refuse vehicle. The energy storage device is alsoconfigured to provide hydraulic power to different subsystems on theE-refuse vehicle through an electric power take-off (E-PTO) system. TheE-PTO system receives electrical power from the energy storage deviceand provides the electrical power to an electric motor. The electricmotor drives a hydraulic pump that provides pressurized hydraulic fluidto different vehicle subsystems, including the compactor and the liftingsystem.

The E-PTO system may include an E-PTO controller. The E-PTO controllermay monitor various systems within the refuse vehicle, including theE-PTO system. The E-PTO controller may receive data from sensors withinthe system, compare the data to expected values under normal operatingconditions, adjust the operation parameters of components of the system,and determine if a critical operating condition exists based on thesensor data. Further, the E-PTO controller may shut down the systemand/or the refuse vehicle in response to detecting a critical operatingcondition.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a vehicle, shown as refuse vehicle 10, alsoreferred to as a refuse vehicle 10 throughout the application, (e.g.,garbage truck, waste collection truck, sanitation truck, etc.), includesa chassis, shown as a frame 12, and a body assembly, shown as body 14,coupled to the frame 12. The body assembly 14 defines an on-boardreceptacle 16 and a cab 18. The cab 18 is coupled to a front end of theframe 12, and includes various components to facilitate operation of therefuse vehicle 10 by an operator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel,hydraulic controls, etc.) as well as components that can executecommands automatically to control different subsystems within thevehicle (e.g., computers, controllers, processing units, etc.). Therefuse vehicle 10 further includes a prime mover 20 coupled to the frame12 at a position beneath the cab 18. The prime mover 20 provides powerto a plurality of motive members, shown as wheels 21, and to othersystems of the vehicle (e.g., a pneumatic system, a hydraulic system,etc.). In one embodiment, the prime mover 20 is one or more electricmotors coupled to the frame 12. The electric motors may consumeelectrical power from an on-board energy storage device (e.g., batteries23, ultra-capacitors, etc.), from an on-board generator (e.g., aninternal combustion engine), or from an external power source (e.g.,overhead power lines) and provide power to the systems of the refusevehicle 10.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 isconfigured to transport refuse from various waste receptacles within amunicipality to a storage or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, anincineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in FIGS.1-3, the body 14 and on-board receptacle 16, in particular, include aseries of panels, shown as panels 22, a cover 24, and a tailgate 26. Thepanels 22, cover 24, and tailgate 26 define a collection chamber 28 ofthe on-board receptacle 16. Loose refuse is placed into the collectionchamber 28, where it may be thereafter compacted. The collection chamber28 provides temporary storage for refuse during transport to a wastedisposal site or a recycling facility, for example. In some embodiments,at least a portion of the on-board receptacle 16 and collection chamber28 extend over or in front of the cab 18. According to the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-4, the on-board receptacle 16 and collection chamber 28are each positioned behind the cab 18. In some embodiments, thecollection chamber 28 includes a hopper volume and a storage volume.Refuse is initially loaded into the hopper volume and thereaftercompacted into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment,the hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab18 (i.e., refuse is loaded into a position behind the cab 18 and storedin a position further toward the rear of the refuse vehicle 10).

Referring again to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the refusevehicle 10 is a front-loading refuse vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, therefuse vehicle 10 includes a lifting system 30 that includes a pair ofarms 32 coupled to the frame 12 on either side of the cab 18. The arms32 may be rotatably coupled to the frame 12 with a pivot (e.g., a lug, ashaft, etc.). In some embodiments, actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders,etc.) are coupled to the frame 12 and the arms 32, and extension of theactuators rotates the arms 32 about an axis extending through the pivot.According to an exemplary embodiment, interface members, shown as forks34, are coupled to the arms 32. The forks 34 have a generallyrectangular cross-sectional shape and are configured to engage a refusecontainer (e.g., protrude through apertures within the refuse container,etc.). During operation of the refuse vehicle 10, the forks 34 arepositioned to engage the refuse container (e.g., the refuse vehicle 10is driven into position until the forks 34 protrude through theapertures within the refuse container). As shown in FIG. 1, the arms 32are rotated to lift the refuse container over the cab 18. A secondactuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder articulates the forks 34 to tip therefuse out of the container and into the hopper volume of the collectionchamber 28 through an opening in the cover 24. The actuator thereafterrotates the arms 32 to return the empty refuse container to the ground.According to an exemplary embodiment, a top door 36 is slid along thecover 24 to seal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping thecollection chamber 28 (e.g., due to wind, etc.).

Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the refusevehicle 10 is a side-loading refuse vehicle that includes a liftingsystem, shown as a grabber 38 that is configured to interface with(e.g., engage, wrap around, etc.) a refuse container (e.g., aresidential garbage can, etc.). In other embodiments, the refuse vehicleis a rear-loading refuse vehicle. According to the exemplary embodimentshown in FIG. 2, the grabber 38 is movably coupled to the body 14 withan arm 40. The arm 40 includes a first end coupled to the body 14 and asecond end coupled to the grabber 38. An actuator (e.g., a hydrauliccylinder 42) articulates the arm 40 and positions the grabber 38 tointerface with the refuse container. The arm 40 may be movable withinone or more directions (e.g., up and down, left and right, in and out,rotation, etc.) to facilitate positioning the grabber 38 to interfacewith the refuse container. According to an alternative embodiment, thegrabber 38 is movably coupled to the body 14 with a track. Afterinterfacing with the refuse container, the grabber 38 is lifted up thetrack (e.g., with a cable, with a hydraulic cylinder, with a rotationalactuator, etc.). The track may include a curved portion at an upperportion of the body 14 so that the grabber 38 and the refuse containerare tipped toward the hopper volume of the collection chamber 28. Ineither embodiment, the grabber 38 and the refuse container are tippedtoward the hopper volume of the collection chamber 28 (e.g., with anactuator, etc.). As the grabber 38 is tipped, refuse falls through anopening in the cover 24 and into the hopper volume of the collectionchamber 28. The arm 40 or the track then returns the empty refusecontainer to the ground, and the top door 36 may be slid along the cover24 to seal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping thecollection chamber 28 (e.g., due to wind).

Referring to FIGS. 3-4, the refuse vehicle 10 is a front loadingelectric refuse vehicle 10 (i.e., an E-refuse vehicle). Like the refusevehicle 10 shown in FIG. 1, the E-refuse vehicle includes a liftingsystem 30 that includes a pair of arms 32 coupled to the frame 12 oneither side of the cab 18. The arms 32 are rotatably coupled to theframe 12 with a pivot (e.g., a lug, a shaft, etc.). In some embodiments,actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders, etc.) are coupled to the frame 12and the arms 32, and extension of the actuators rotates the arms 32about an axis extending through the pivot. According to an exemplaryembodiment, interface members, shown as forks 34, are coupled to thearms 32. The forks 34 have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shapeand are configured to engage a refuse container (e.g., protrude throughapertures within the refuse container, etc.). During operation of therefuse vehicle 10, the forks 34 are positioned to engage the refusecontainer (e.g., the refuse vehicle 10 is driven into position until theforks 34 protrude through the apertures within the refuse container). Asecond actuator (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder) articulates the forks 34 totip the refuse out of the container and into the hopper volume of thecollection chamber 28 through an opening in the cover 24. The actuatorthereafter rotates the arms 32 to return the empty refuse container tothe ground. According to an exemplary embodiment, a top door 36 is slidalong the cover 24 to seal the opening thereby preventing refuse fromescaping the collection chamber 28 (e.g., due to wind, etc.).

Still referring to FIGS. 3-4, the refuse vehicle 10 includes one or moreenergy storage devices, shown as batteries 23. The batteries 23 can berechargeable lithium-ion batteries, for example. The batteries 23 areconfigured to supply electrical power to the prime mover 20, whichincludes one or more electric motors. The electric motors are coupled tothe wheels 21 through a vehicle transmission, such that rotation of theelectric motor (e.g., rotation of a drive shaft of the motor) rotates atransmission shaft, which in turn rotates the wheels 21 of the vehicle.The batteries 23 can supply additional subsystems on the refuse vehicle10, including additional electric motors, cab controls (e.g., climatecontrols, steering, lights, etc.), the lifting system 30, and/or thecompactor 50, for example.

The refuse vehicle 10 can be considered a hybrid refuse vehicle as itincludes both electric and hydraulic power systems. As depicted in FIGS.3-5, the refuse vehicle 10 includes an E-PTO system 100. The E-PTOsystem 100 is configured to receive electrical power from the batteries23 and/or other power sources (e.g., a secondary battery 108 included inthe E-PTO system 100, which may be powered/charged via a solar panel,solar photovoltaic generation, solar thermal energy capture device, heatgeneration from other parts of the refuse, thermos-electric conversionsolar cells, magnet mass moving in electrical coils due to roadvibration, piezo-electric conversion, etc.) and convert the electricalpower to hydraulic power. The E-PTO system includes an E-PTO sub-system150 that includes various components of the E-PTO system 100, as will bediscussed further herein. The E-PTO system 100 includes an E-PTOcontroller 320 configured to control and monitor (i.e., by receivingdata from sensors) the components of the E-PTO sub-system 150 andvarious components of the refuse vehicle 10 as will be discussed ingreater detail with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. The E-PTO controller320 may include a secondary battery such that the E-PTO controller 320may operate independently of the battery 23. In some examples, the E-PTOsystem 100 includes an electric motor 104 driving a hydraulic pump 102.The hydraulic pump 102 pressurized hydraulic fluid onboard the refusevehicle 10, which can then be supplied to various hydraulic cylindersand actuators present on the refuse vehicle 10. For example, thehydraulic pump 102 can provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to each ofthe hydraulic cylinders within the lift system 30 on the refuse vehicle.Additionally or alternatively, the hydraulic pump 102 can providepressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic cylinder controlling thecompactor 50. In still further embodiments, the hydraulic pump 102provides pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders thatcontrol a position and orientation of the tailgate 26.

As shown in FIG. 3, the refuse vehicle 10 may include one or more energygenerating devices 120. For example, the energy generating devices 120may be solar panels. In other example embodiments, the energy generationdevices 120 may include solar cells, solar paneling, solar film, solarphotovoltaic generating devices, solar thermal energy capture devices(e.g., a dark surface heat exchange using solar heat to offsetelectrical energy conversion to hear or a device that captures the heatfrom the refuse or from the compaction of the refuse and converts theheat to electricity), thermos-electric conversion solar cells, andkinetic energy capture devices (e.g., a magnet mass moving in electricalcoils due to road vibration, piezo-electric conversion devices, etc.)

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the refuse vehicle 10 may include adisconnect 200 positioned between the batteries 23 and the E-PTO system100. The disconnect 200 provides selective electrical communicationbetween the batteries 23 and the E-PTO system 100 that can allow thesecondary vehicle systems (e.g., the lift system, compactor, etc.) to bedecoupled and de-energized from the electrical power source. Forexample, the E-PTO controller 320 may cause the disconnect 200 to bedecoupled and de-energized from the electrical power source. Thedisconnect 200 can create an open circuit between the batteries 23 andthe E-PTO system 100, such that no electricity is supplied from thebatteries 23 to the electric motor 104 or the inverter 110 that iscoupled to the electric motor 104 to convert DC power from the batteries23 to AC power for use in the electric motor 104. Without electricalpower from the batteries 23, the electric motor 104 will not drive thehydraulic pump 102. Pressure within the hydraulic system will graduallydecrease, such that none of the lifting system 30, compactor 50, orvehicle subsystems 106 relying upon hydraulic power will be functional.The refuse vehicle 10 can then be operated in a lower power consumptionmode, given the reduced electrical load required from the batteries 23to operate the refuse vehicle 10. The disconnect 200 further enables therefuse vehicle 10 to conserve energy when the vehicle subsystems are notneeded, and can also be used to lock out the various vehicle subsystemsto perform maintenance activities.

The disconnect 200 further allows an all-electric vehicle chassis to beretrofit with hydraulic power systems, which can be advantageous for avariety of reasons, as hydraulic power systems may be more responsiveand durable than fully electric systems. In some examples, the E-PTOsystem 100 includes a dedicated secondary battery 108 that is configuredto supply electrical power to the E-PTO system 100 if the disconnect 200is tripped, such that the secondary vehicle systems can remain optionaleven when the E-PTO system 100 is not receiving electrical power fromthe batteries 23. In some examples, the E-PTO system 100 operatesindependently of the battery 23, and includes its own dedicatedsecondary battery 108 that supplies DC electrical power to the inverter110, which converts the DC electrical power to AC electrical power thatcan then be supplied to the electric motor 104. In still furtherembodiments, the dedicated secondary battery 108 is directly coupled tothe electric motor 104 and supplies DC electrical power directly to theelectric motor 104. With the secondary battery 108 present within theE-PTO system 100, the E-PTO system can be agnostic to the chassis type,and can be incorporated into all-electric, hybrid, diesel, CNG, or othersuitable chassis types. Further, the dedicated secondary battery 108 mayreceive power from the energy generating devices 120. In this example,the E-PTO system 100 may be net neutral on energy consumption or evenprovide energy back to the chassis batteries 23.

In certain embodiments, a heat dissipation device 112 is coupled to theinverter 110. The heat dissipation device 112 (e.g., a radiator, a heatsink, a fan, etc.) is configured to draw heat away from the inverter 110to reduce the risk of overheating. In certain embodiments, the heatdissipation device 112 is coupled to the inverter 110 via conduits. Theconduits may be configured to transport a cooling fluid to and from theinverter 110. In certain embodiments, sensors may be positioned withinor adjacent to the conduits. For example, the sensors may be configuredto determine the flow rate of the cooling fluid through the conduitsand/or the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing through theconduits, as will be discussed further below. It should be appreciatedthat the heat dissipation device 112 may also be coupled to variousother components of the refuse vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIG. 6a , an E-PTO controller system 300 is shownaccording to an example embodiment. For example, the E-PTO controllersystem may be implemented and used by the refuse vehicle 10. The E-PTOcontroller system 300 includes an E-PTO controller 320 (i.e., the E-PTOcontroller 320 from FIG. 5). The E-PTO controller system 300 may includeone or more sensor(s) 350 configured to record data associated withvarious onboard device(s) 360. The sensor(s) 350 may include any type ofsensor that may record data corresponding to the onboard device(s) 360,including a heat sensor, a thermal vision camera, a thermometer, anelectric current sensor, pressure sensors, fuel level sensors, flow ratesensors, voltage detectors, noise meters, air pollution sensors, massflow rate sensors, etc. and any combination thereof. The onboarddevice(s) includes any equipment that is a part of the refuse vehicle10, including the batteries 23, the tailgate 26, the lifting system 30,the top door 36, the grabber 38, the hydraulic cylinder 42, thecompactor 50, the E-PTO system 100, the hydraulic pump 102, the electricmotor 104, the dedicated secondary battery 108, the inverter 110, theheat dissipation device 112, the subsystems 106, E-PTO controller 320,and all sub components thereof.

In certain embodiments, each sensor 350 is configured to record datarelated to one or more onboard devices 360. For example, one or more athermal sensors 350 (e.g., thermocouples, resistance temperaturedetectors, thermistors, semiconductor based on integrated circuits,etc.) may detect and record the temperature of the heat dissipationdevice 112 and/or the inverter 110. Further, one or more sensors 350 maybe within or adjacent to the conduits that connects the heat dissipationdevice 112 to the inverter 110. In this example, the sensors 350 maydetermine the temperature and/or the fluid flow rate of the coolingfluid in the conduits. In certain embodiments, more than one sensor 350is used to record data related to a single onboard device 360. Forexample, a thermal sensor 350 may detect and record the temperature ofthe inverter 110 and an electric flow sensor 350 may be used to recordthe current going into and/or out of the inverter 110.

In various embodiments, the E-PTO controller 320 is communicably coupledto sensor(s) 350, such that the data recorded by the sensor(s) 350 maybe saved and analyzed. The E-PTO controller 320 is also communicablycoupled to the onboard device(s) 360 such that the E-PTO controller 320may control the onboard device(s) 360 (e.g., by sending operatingparameters to the onboard devices). In certain embodiments, the E-PTOcontroller 320 includes a network interface circuit 301 configured toenable the E-PTO controller 320 to exchange information over a network.The network interface circuit 301 can include program logic thatfacilitates connection of the E-PTO controller 320 to the network (e.g.,a cellular network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio, etc.). The networkinterface circuit 301 can support communications between the E-PTOcontroller 320 and other systems, such as a remote monitoring computingsystem. For example, the network interface circuit 301 can include acellular modem, a Bluetooth transceiver, a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) transceiver, and a near-field communication (NFC)transmitter. In some embodiments, the network interface circuit 301includes the hardware and machine-readable media sufficient to supportcommunication over multiple channels of data communication.

The E-PTO controller 320 is shown to include a processing circuit 302and a user interface 314. The processing circuit 302 may include aprocessor 304 and a memory 306. The processor 304 may be coupled to thememory 306. The processor 304 may be a general purpose or specificpurpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group ofprocessing components, or other suitable processing components. Theprocessor 304 is configured to execute computer code or instructionsstored in the memory 306 or received from other computer readable media(e.g., CDROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.).

The memory 306 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units,memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computercode for completing and/or facilitating the various processes describedin the present disclosure. The memory 306 may include random accessmemory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporarystorage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any othersuitable memory for storing software objects and/or computerinstructions. The memory 306 may include database components, objectcode components, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present disclosure. The memory 306 may becommunicably connected to the processor 304 via processing circuit 302and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by the processor 304)one or more of the processes described herein.

The data collection circuit 308 is configured to collect and store datacollected by the sensor(s) 350. For example, the data collection circuit308 may collect data during operation of the refuse vehicle 10, andstore the data. Further, the collection circuit 308 is configured tostore operating parameters that the E-PTO controller 320 may provide toonboard devices 360 to control the onboard devices 360. For example, theE-PTO controller 320 may provide operating parameters to the heatdissipation device 112 such that the E-PTO controller 320 may controlthe cooling fluid flow rate through the conduits. The data collectioncircuit 308 may also store normal operating conditions corresponding toeach sensor 350. For example, the normal operating conditions mayinclude a range of values measured by each sensor 350 that indicates anonboard device 360 is operating properly. For example, if initialoperating parameters are provided to an onboard device 360, the normaloperating conditions may be the expected senor 350 reading taken withrespect to that onboard device 360. Further, the data collection circuit308 is configured to store threshold measurements for each sensor 350.Each sensor 350 may have a different threshold measurement. In certainembodiments, the threshold measurement may represent both an upperthreshold measurement (i.e., the upper bound) and a lower thresholdmeasurement (i.e., a lower bound), such that a sensor 350 measurementbelow the lower bound or above the upper bound may be indicative of acritical event. The threshold measurement may represent a maximum (i.e.,upper bound) and/or minimum acceptable (i.e., lower bound) value thatmay be detected by a sensor 350. The threshold measurement may dependedon each onboard device's 360 demands (i.e., the onboard device 360 thatthe sensor 350 is monitoring). For example, a sensor 350 may be used tomeasure the cooling fluid temperature exiting the heat dissipationdevice 112. A predetermined threshold measurement may be defined for thesensor 350 and if the sensor 350 measures a reading above that thresholdmeasurement, the E-PTO controller 320 may detect a critical operation.For example, the predetermined threshold measurement for the sensor 350may represent the maximum acceptable temperature that the cooling fluidmay safely reach without risking damage to the inverter 110 or the heatdissipation device 112. In another example, a sensor 350 may be used tomeasure the flow rate of the cooling fluid through the inverter 110. Thethreshold measurement for the sensor 350 may correspond with the minimumacceptable flow rate of the cooling fluid. For example, if the flow ratedropped below the threshold measurement, the inverter 110 or heatdissipation device 112 may be damaged.

The detection circuit 310 is configured to receive signals fromsensor(s) 350 and compare this data to the data stored by the datacollection circuit 308. For example, the detection circuit 310 may beable to identify if various components in a system (e.g., the E-PTOsystem 100, the lifting system 30, the compactor 50, subsystems 106,etc.) is in compliance (i.e., operating within the normal operatingcondition bounds). The detection circuit 322 is also configured todetermine if a sensor 350 reading exceeds the threshold measurement. Forexample, detection circuit 310 may determine the presence of a criticaloperating condition if a sensor 350 detects the temperature of theinverter 110, or a region thereof, exceeds a predetermined thresholdtemperature. In some embodiments, detection circuit 310 detects alocation of a critical operating condition. For example, detectioncircuit 310 may determine a critical operating condition is occurring inthe inverter 110 because a sensor 350 detecting a temperature over thethreshold temperature located proximate the inverter 110. In someembodiments, if the detection circuit 310 detects a critical operatingcondition, the critical operating condition, and the circumstancessurrounding it, is communicated to the alerting circuit 312.

Alerting circuit 312 is configured to perform one or more operations inresponse to receiving an indication of a critical operating condition.In some embodiments, alerting circuit 312 presents an indication of thecritical operating condition to an operator of refuse vehicle 10. Forexample, alerting circuit 312 may control a user interface 314 todisplay a warning to an operator of refuse vehicle 10.

The user interface 314 is configured to present information to andreceive information from a user. In some embodiments, user interface 314includes a display device (e.g., a monitor, a touchscreen, hud, etc.).In some embodiments, user interface 314 includes an audio device (e.g.,a microphone, a speaker, etc.). In various embodiments, user interface314 receives alerts from alerting circuit 312 and presents the alerts toan operator of refuse vehicle 10. For example, user interface 314 mayreceive a visual alert from alerting circuit 312 and display a graphicon a display device to alert an operator of refuse vehicle 10 of acritical operating condition and the location of the critical operatingcondition associated with the refuse vehicle 10.

In some embodiments, alerting circuit 312 operates refuse vehicle 10.For example, alerting circuit 312 may cause the E-PTO system 100 and/orthe chassis of the refuse vehicle 10 to shut down and/or alter operationin response to a critical operating condition being detected withrespect to a component of the E-PTO system 100. For example, if thecooling fluid flow rate through the inverter 110 is sensed (i.e., by asensor 350) to be below a threshold measurement (i.e., as determined bythe detection circuit 310), the alerting circuit 312 may cause theentire E-PTO system 100 to be shut down. Further, the alerting circuit312 may cause the entire refuse vehicle 10 to shut down in responsereceiving an indication of a critical operating condition. Additionallyor alternatively, alerting circuit 312 may transmit one or morenotifications. For example, alerting circuit 213 may transmit anotification to the network interface circuit 301, such that anotification may be sent via the network to a fleet monitoring systemthat monitors the status of various refuse vehicles 10. Additionally oralternatively, alerting circuit 312 may cause the E-PTO system 100 toshut down and/or alter operation in response to chassis data (e.g., datacollected from sensors onboard the chassis, etc.). Referring now to FIG.7, am E-PTO controls process 400 is shown according to an exemplaryembodiment. For example, the process 400 may be performed by the E-PTOcontroller 320. The process 400 begins with process 402. Process 402involves powering on a system. For example, the system may be the E-PTOsystem 100, the lift system 30, the compactor 50, any of the subsystems106, and/or any other system included in the refuse vehicle 10. Thepower may be supplied to the system by the battery 23 and/or a secondarybattery 108. In certain example embodiments, the E-PTO controller 320may cause power to be supplied to the system. However, in otherembodiments, another component (e.g., a start button) of the refusevehicle 10 may cause power to be supplied to the system.

Once power is provided to the system as a part of process 402, initialoperating parameters may be provided to the system components as a partof process 404. For example, the E-PTO controller 320 may provideinitial operating parameters to the system components (e.g., the liftsystem 30, the compactor 50, the subsystems 106, the hydraulic pump 102,the electric motor 104, the battery 107, the inverter 110, the heatdissipation device 112, etc.). The initial operating parameters maycorrespond with expected performance characteristics of the system. Forexample, an initial operating parameter may be provided to the heatdissipation device 112 that defines a specific power input into a pumpincluded in the heat dissipation device. The specific power input maycorrespond with an expected cooling fluid flow rate through the heatdissipation device 112. For example, a greater specific power input(i.e., as defined by the operating parameter) into the pump may lead toa higher the expected cooling fluid flow rate through the heatdissipation device 112. The initial operating parameters may bepredetermined based on modeling, testing, and/or prior performance ofthe system.

After the initial operating parameters are provided to the systemcomponents, the E-PTO controller 320 checks to see if the system is incompliance at process 406. For example, the E-PTO controller 320controller may receive data from sensor(s) 350 monitoring the variouscomponents of the system. The detection circuit 310 may then compare thedata from the sensor(s) to normal operating conditions stored in thedata collection circuit 308 to determine if the sensor readings arewithin the normal operating conditions bounds. If so, the system may bedetermined to be in compliance at decision 408. If not, the system maybe determined to not be in compliance at decision 408. If the system isin compliance, power may continue to be supplied to the system as a partof process 420, allowing the system to continue to operate. Data maycontinue to be collected by the sensor(s) 350, and the process 400 mayreturn to process 406 such that the E-PTO controller 320 may continue tomonitor the system to ensure that the system is in compliance.

If the detection circuit 310 determines that the system is not incompliance at decision 408, the process 400 may proceed to process 410.At process 410, the source of the irregularity is determined. Forexample, the E-PTO controller 320 may be able to determine the source ofirregularity based on which sensor(s) 350 are collecting data outsidethe normal operation bounds. For example, if a heat sensor 350 isconfigured to measure the temperature of the inverter 110, and theinverter 110 temperature exceeds the normal operating temperature upperbound, then the detection circuit 310 may determine the source of theirregularity to be the heat dissipation device 112 because the heatdissipation device 112 is configured to cool the inverter 110. However,the detection circuit 310 may also analyze the data from sensors 350configured to monitor the heat dissipation device 112. For example, if aflow meter sensor 350 (e.g., a Coriolis meter, a differential pressuremeter, a magnetic meter, a multiphase meter, a turbine meter, anultrasonic meter, a vortex meter, a positive displacement meter, anelectromagnetic flow meter, etc.) indicates that the fluid flow rate ofthe cooling fluid is within the normal operating bounds and a heatsensor 350 indicates that the cooling fluid is at a temperature withinthe normal operating bounds, then the detection circuit 310 maydetermine that the source of irregularity is the inverter 110. Once thesource of irregularity is determined as a part of process 410, theirregularity is analyzed at process 412.

Process 412 includes analyzing the irregularity. For example, thedetection circuit 310 may compare the irregular data received from thesensor 350 and compare this to the expected data for normal operatingconditions. The detection circuit 310 may then analyze the irregularityto determine if the data is greater than the upper bound of normaloperating conditions or less than the lower bound of normal operatingconditions. Once this is determined, the detection circuit 310 maydetermine updated operating parameters at process 414. For example, if aheat sensor 350 coupled to the inverter provides the detection circuit310 with a temperature reading that is greater than the upper bound ofthe normal operating conditions, analyzing this irregularity at process412 may indicate that a higher cooling fluid flow rate from the heatdissipation device 112 may be needed. Thus, the detection circuit 310may update the operating parameter for the heat dissipation device 112to increase the amount of power being supplied to the pump within theheat dissipation device 112 such that the cooling fluid flow rateincreases, which may be confirmed by a flow rate sensor 350 in theconduit connecting the heat dissipation device 112 to the inverter 110.After updating the operating parameters, the detection circuit 310 maycontinue to monitor data from the sensor(s) 350. This data may then beanalyzed at decision 416 to determine if a threshold is exceeded (i.e.,a critical operating condition exists). For example, an upper criticaloperating condition bound and a lower critical operating condition boundmay exist for each sensor 350. The upper critical operating bound may behigher than the upper normal operating bound and the lower criticaloperating bound may be less than the lower normal operating bound.

If it is determined that the threshold is not exceed at decision 416,the process 400 returns to decision 408 to determine if the system is incompliance. If not, process 410, 412, and 414 may be repeated, therebycreating a feedback loop (e.g., a PID feedback control loop) in anattempt to bring the system within the bounds of the normal operatingconditions. However, if it is determined that a threshold is exceeded atdecision 416, the detection circuit 310 may send an indication of thecritical operating condition to the alerting circuit 312. The alertingcircuit may then cause the system or any components thereof to shut downas a part of process 418. Further, the alerting circuit 312 may causethe entire refuse vehicle 10 to shut down in response to receiving anindication of a critical operating condition.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-11, an E-PTO system 600 is shown according toan example embodiment. It should be appreciated that the E-PTO system600 may be the same or similar to the E-PTO system 100 described above.The E-PTO system 100 is configured to receive electrical power from thebatteries 23 or other power sources (e.g., a secondary battery 108included in the E-PTO system 100, which may be powered/charged via asolar panel, solar photovoltaic generation, solar thermal energy capturedevice, heat generation from other parts of the refuse, thermos-electricconversion solar cells, magnet mass moving in electrical coils due toroad vibration, piezo-electric conversion, etc.) and convert theelectrical power to hydraulic power for various hydraulic systems on therefuse vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the E-PTO system 600 may be contained withinE-PTO housing 602. The E-PTO system 600 includes an electric motor 604,a thermal management system 606 (see FIGS. 13-18), a controller 608, aninverter 610 (as pictured, the controller 608 and inverter 610 arecontained within the controller housing 620), a coupling mechanism 612,a hydraulic pump 614, a mounting mechanism 616 (see FIG. 12), andhydraulic auxiliary connection points 618.

Referring now to FIG. 12, a partial perspective view of the E-PTO system600. As shown, the E-PTO system includes an electric motor 604. Theelectric motor 604 may be the same or similar to the electric motor 104described above. The electric motor 604 may be coupled to the controller608 and the inverter 610. For example, a plurality of cables 640 mayconnect the inverter 610 to the electric motor, such that the inverter610 may supply power to the electric motor 604 from the chassis battery23 and/or a dedicated secondary battery 108. Further, a plurality ofcables 640 may connect the controller 608 to the electric motor 604 suchthat the controller 608 may selectively control the electric motor 604(e.g., by implementing E-PTO controls process 400). The electric motor604 is coupled to the hydraulic pump 614 via the coupling mechanism 612such that the electric motor 604 may cause the hydraulic pump 614 toprovide pressure to various hydraulic system within the refuse vehicle(e.g., lifting system 30, the compactor 50, and any subsystems 106).

Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, a perspective view of the thermalmanagement system 606 is shown according to an example embodiment. Forexample, the thermal management system 606 may be included in the E-PTOsystem 600. The thermal management system 606 may include a coolingcircuit configured to cool the inverter 610. The thermal managementsystem 606 may further be configured to cool other components of therefuse vehicle 10, according to some embodiments. The thermal managementsystem 606 may be the same or similar to the heat dissipation device 112described above. As shown, the thermal management system 606 includes athermal fluid pump 650 coupled to a thermal exchanger 652 and a thermalfluid reservoir 654. For example, the thermal fluid pump 650 may becoupled to the thermal exchanger 652 and the thermal fluid reservoir 654via a plurality of conduits such that cooling fluid may be exchangedbetween the components thereby creating the cooling circuit. The thermalfluid reservoir 654 may also include one or more level switches 658(e.g., a capacitive, conductive, diaphragm, displace, float, inductive,optical, paddle, vibrating rod, tilt, and/or tuning for level switch).The level switch 658 may be configured to detect a maximum and/orminimum cooling fluid level in the thermal fluid reservoir 654. Thelevel switch 658 may also by coupled to the controller 608 such that thecontroller 608 may receive data from the level switch 658. For example,if the level switch 658 detects a maximum fluid level, the controller608 may send operating parameters to the thermal fluid pump 650 inresponse, wherein the operating parameters cause the thermal fluid pump650 to pump more cooling fluid into the cooling circuit to reduce theamount of cooling fluid in the thermal fluid reservoir. In anotherexample, if the level switch 658 detects a minimum fluid level, thecontroller 608 may send operating parameters to various components toshut down components, as a lack of cooling fluid may be indicative of acritical operating condition. The thermal fluid pump 650 is configuredto pump cooling fluid through the cooling circuit. For example, coolingfluid may be stored in the thermal fluid reservoir 654 and the thermalfluid pump 650 may pump the cooling fluid to the inverter 610 (e.g.,through a plurality of conduits). Excess heat in the inverter 610 maythen be transferred to the cooling fluid. The thermal fluid pump 650 maycontinue to pump the cooling fluid to the thermal exchanger 652 afterthe inverter 610. Some or all of the excess heat from the inverter 610may then be exchanged by the thermal exchanger 652 into the surroundingenvironment, thereby cooling the inverter 610.

In certain embodiments, the thermal fluid pump 650 is further coupled tothe inverter 610 and the controller 608 such that the thermal fluid pump650 may receive power from the inverter 610 and may be controlled by thecontroller 608. For example, the controller 608 may provide operatingparameters to the thermal fluid pump 650, which may cause the thermalfluid pump 650 pump cooling fluid at different rates. The thermalmanagement system 606 may also include one or more flow meters 655 and aplurality of thermal sensors 656. The flow meters 655 and thermalsensors 656 may be coupled to the controller 608 such that thecontroller 608 may perform feedback control of the thermal managementsystem 606. For example, the flow meters 655 and the thermal sensors 656may be the same or similar as the sensors 350 described above withreference to FIG. 6a . In other words, the flow meters 655 may beconfigured to measure the fluid flow rate of the cooling fluid throughthe conduits and the thermal sensors 656 may be configured to measurethe temperature at various points in the cooling circuit, including theinverter such that the controller 608 may cause the thermal fluid pump650 to pump sufficient cooling fluid to the inverter and/or shut downthe system in response to detecting critical operating conditions.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a perspective view of the inverter 610 and thecontroller 608 are shown according to an example embodiment. As shown,the inverter 610 and controller 608 are located within the controllerhousing 620. In certain embodiments, the inverter 610 and the controller608 may be the same or similar to the inverter 110 and the E-PTOcontroller 320 discussed above.

As shown, the controller housing 620 may include a multi-port module,thereby enabling the controller housing 620 to be used in severaldifferent situations. The controller 608 may utilize a Control AreaNetwork (CAN) bus to allow an internal microprocessor (e.g., theprocessor 304) to communicate without other systems without acentralized host computer. The controller housing 620 may also include afuse box to protect the controller 608 a thermal fan to help cool thecontroller 608 and the inverter 610. The controller housing 620 may bein thermal communication with the cooling circuit described above, suchthat the thermal management system 606 may cool the controller 608 andthe inverter 610.

Referring now to FIGS. 19 and 20, a perspective view of the couplingmechanism 612 is show according to an example embodiment. The couplingmechanism 612 may be used to structurally couple the electric motor 604to the hydraulic pump 614. As shown in FIG. 20, an energy transfercomponent 660 is included in the coupling mechanism 612. The energytransfer component 660 may be used to transfer a mechanical output fromthe electric motor 604 to a mechanical input for the hydraulic pump 614.For example, the energy transfer component 660 may include atransmission, a clutch, a splined shaft, a gear box, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 21, a perspective view of the hydraulic pump 614is shown according to an example embodiment. The hydraulic pump 614 maybe the same or similar to the hydraulic pump 102 described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, a perspective view of the mountingmechanism 616 is shown according to an example embodiment. The mountingmechanism may be used to mount the E-PTO system 600 to various areas ofthe refuse vehicle 10. For example, the E-PTO system 600 may be mountedon the front of the body 14, inside the body 14, on the back of the body14, under the body, to the frame 12, or anywhere else the body of therefuse vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIG. 24, a perspective view of the hydraulic auxiliaryconnection points 618 is shown according to an example embodiment. Asshown, the E-PTO system 600 incudes a first auxiliary connection point618 a and a second auxiliary connection point 618 b. For example,various systems may be connected to the auxiliary connection points 618such that hydraulic pressure may be supplied to those systems. Forexample, a piece of equipment not included in the refuse vehicle 10 maybe connected to the auxiliary connection points 618. Further, theauxiliary connection points 618 may be used as a secondary hydrauliccircuit and/or emergency backup if the main hydraulic circuit fails. Incertain embodiments, an auxiliary pump system may be connected to theauxiliary connection points 618, as is discussed below.

Referring now to FIG. 25, a schematic view of the hydraulic auxiliaryconnection point circuit 700 is shown according to an exampleembodiment. The auxiliary connection point circuit 700 includes thefirst and second auxiliary connection points 618 a, 618 b. Further, theauxiliary connection point circuit 700 includes an auxiliary pumpcircuit 702 that can be connected to the auxiliary connection points618. The auxiliary pump circuit 702 includes an auxiliary hydraulic pump704 that is powered by an auxiliary power supply 710 (e.g., a secondarybattery 108). Once connected, the first auxiliary connection point 618 amay be opened, thereby connecting the auxiliary pump circuit 702 to ahydraulic fluid reservoir 706. For example, the hydraulic fluidreservoir 706 may also be in fluid communication with the primaryhydraulic pump 614. The auxiliary hydraulic pump 704 may then receivehydraulic fluid from the first auxiliary connection point 618 a and pumphydraulic fluid through the second auxiliary connection point 618 b,through an output valve 708 and to a system 712 (e.g., lift system 30,compactor 50, subsystems 106, etc.) of the refuse vehicle 10.

Referring now to FIG. 26, a schematic diagram of an efficiencycontroller system 800 is shown according to an example embodiment. Theefficiency controller system 800 may include a refuse body input 802, achassis body input 804, a controller 806, and a controller analysisoutput 808. In certain embodiments, the refuse body input 802 includesenergy consumption information from the refuse body (e.g., from theE-PTO system 100). The chassis body input 804 includes energyconsumption information from the chassis body (e.g., the battery 23, theprime mover 20, etc.). The controller 806 may be the similar to thecontroller 320. The controller 806 may output information to thecontroller analysis output 808 which may then display valuableinformation to an operator (e.g., via a user interface).

Although this description may discuss a specific order of method steps,the order of the steps may differ from what is outlined. Also two ormore steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence.Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosenand on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of thedisclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in theappended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describevarious embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that suchembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like, as used herein, mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g.,removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers or the two members and any additional intermediate members beingintegrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with thetwo members or the two members and any additional intermediate membersbeing attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below,” “between,” etc.) are merely used to describe theorientation of various elements in the figures. It should be noted thatthe orientation of various elements may differ according to otherexemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to beencompassed by the present disclosure.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of theelectromechanical variable transmission as shown in the exemplaryembodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of thepresent disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in theart who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies ofthe components described herein may be constructed from any of a widevariety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, inany of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of the present inventions. Other substitutions, modifications,changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions,and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from scope of the present disclosure or from the spirit of theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A refuse vehicle comprising: a chassis supportinga plurality of wheels; a battery supported by the chassis and configuredto provide electrical power to a first motor, wherein rotation of thefirst motor selectively drives at least one of the plurality of wheels;a vehicle body supported by the chassis and defining a receptacle forstoring refuse therein; and an electric power take-off system coupled tothe vehicle body, the electric power take-off system including: a secondmotor configured to convert electrical power received from the batteryinto hydraulic power, an inverter configured to provide electrical powerto the second motor from the battery, a heat dissipation device inthermal communication with the inverter, wherein the heat dissipationdevice includes a plurality of conduits and a thermal fluid pumpconfigured to pump cooling fluid through the plurality of conduits, athermal sensor configured to detect thermal energy within the inverter,a flow meter configured determine a flow rate of cooling fluid throughthe plurality of conduits, and a controller configured to receive datafrom the thermal sensor and the flow meter and provide operatingparameters to the heat dissipation device, wherein the controller isfurther configured to determine if the data from the thermal sensor isgreater than a critical operating condition and shut down the electricpower take-off system in response to determining that the data from thethermal sensor is greater than the critical operating condition.
 2. Therefuse vehicle of claim 1, wherein the electric power take-off systemfurther includes a secondary battery, such that the electric powertake-off system is configured to operate independently of the battery.3. The refuse vehicle of claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation device isa radiator.
 4. The refuse vehicle of claim 2, wherein the secondarybattery is powered by a solar panel attached to the vehicle body.
 5. Therefuse vehicle of claim 1, wherein the thermal fluid pump is in fluidcommunication with a cooling fluid reservoir.
 6. The refuse vehicle ofclaim 5, wherein the cooling fluid reservoir includes a level switch incommunication with the controller, wherein the level switch isconfigured to detect a minimum cooling fluid level and the controller isconfigured to shut down the electric power take-off system in responseto the minimum cooling fluid level being detected.
 7. The refuse vehicleof claim 1, wherein the thermal sensor includes a plurality ofthermocouples.
 8. A method comprising: providing power to one or morecomponents a system of a refuse vehicle, the refuse vehicle comprising:a chassis supporting a plurality of wheels; a battery supported by thechassis and configured to provide electrical power to a first motor,wherein rotation of the first motor selectively drives at least one ofthe plurality of wheels; a vehicle body supported by the chassis anddefining a receptacle for storing refuse therein; and an electric powertake-off system coupled to the vehicle body, the electric power take-offsystem including: a second motor configured to convert electrical powerreceived from the battery into hydraulic power, an inverter configuredto provide electrical power to the second motor from the battery, a heatdissipation device in thermal communication with the inverter, whereinthe heat dissipation device includes a plurality of conduits and athermal fluid pump configured to pump cooling fluid through theplurality of conduits, a thermal sensor configured to detect thermalenergy within the inverter, a flow meter configured determine a flowrate of cooling fluid through the plurality of conduits, and acontroller configured to receive data from the thermal sensor and theflow meter and provide operating parameters to the heat dissipationdevice, providing, by the controller, initial operating parameters tothe one or more components of the system; receiving, by the controller,the data from at least one of the thermal sensor and the flow meter;shutting down the components of the components of the one or moresystems, by the controller, in response to determining the data receivedis greater than a critical operating condition.
 9. The method of claim8, wherein the one or more components of the system includes theelectric power take-off system.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein theinitial operating parameters defines a specific power input into thethermal fluid pump.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the criticaloperating condition is detected by the thermal sensor and correspondswith a critical operating temperature.
 12. The method of claim 8,wherein the electric power take-off system further includes a secondarybattery, such that the electric power take-off system is configured tooperate independently of the battery.
 13. The method of claim 8, whereinthe heat dissipation device is a radiator.
 14. The method of claim 12,wherein the secondary battery is powered by a solar panel attached tothe vehicle body.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the thermal fluidpump is in fluid communication with a cooling fluid reservoir.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, further comprising: detecting, by a level switch inthe cooling fluid reservoir, a minimum cooling fluid level; and shuttingdown, by the controller, the electric power take-off system in responseto the minimum cooling fluid level being detected.
 17. The refusevehicle of claim 8, wherein the thermal sensor includes a plurality ofthermocouples.
 18. An electric power take-off system, comprising: amotor configured to convert electrical power received from a batteryinto hydraulic power; an inverter configured to provide electrical powerto the motor from the battery, a heat dissipation device in thermalcommunication with the inverter, wherein the heat dissipation deviceincludes a plurality of conduits and a thermal fluid pump configured topump cooling fluid through the plurality of conduits; a thermal sensorconfigured to detect thermal energy within the inverter, a flow meterconfigured determine a flow rate of cooling fluid through the pluralityof conduits; and a controller configured to receive data from thethermal sensor and the flow meter and provide operating parameters tothe heat dissipation device, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to determine if the data from the thermal sensor is greaterthan a critical operating condition and shut down the electric powertake-off system in response to determining that the data from thethermal sensor is greater than the critical operating condition.
 19. Theelectric power take-off system of claim 18, wherein the battery ispowered by a solar panel coupled to the electric power take-off system.20. The electric power take-off system of claim 18, wherein the thermalfluid pump is in fluid communication with a cooling fluid reservoir.